Last night's game was just about the worst case scenario for Patriot fans. In their home opener the Patriots would end up losing to an extremely dangerous offense and the Baltimore Ravens. The team performed well through the first half but would end up collapsing toward the end of the game whilst seeing Lamar Jackson have 325 total yards and 5 total touchdowns.
The Patriots defense were the unit everybody was going to be watching as the high-powered Ravens offense were going to be their toughest test so far this season. They would end up having an underrated game that showed even when they get put in extremely difficult positions, this unit can stay grounded and make big plays. Unfortunately they were put in difficult positions too often as the offense would cough up 4 turnovers including 3 interceptions from Mac Jones, whose day would be remembered for something else entirely.
On their final offensive play, an interception that took place with 2;00 left on the clock Mac Jones would be hit after throwing the ball and come down awkwardly on his left ankle. He would jump over to the sideline on his good ankle in obvious pain an be brought almost immediately to the locker room. As the night progressed the reports came out that it would not be season ending, but the 24-year old did suffer a high ankle sprain and will be out of action for several weeks. This is a terrible loss for the Patriots and opens up a very serious discussion, do they start the middling veteran Brian Hoyer, or the exciting young rookie Bailey Zappe who performed well in his preseason reps.
For now that question will be answered through this week's practices and on Sunday when the Patriots travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers and Aaron Rodgers who just came off a slugfest win against the Buccaneers. The Packers have looked sluggish to start the season thankfully for the Patriots. If the defense can continue their form and the Patriots newest signal caller (whoever it may be) commits no or few turnovers, the Patriots still have a great shot of walking out of Lambeau victorious.
However, for now they are 1-2 after losing to two of the best teams in the AFC. The Patriots will have to figure out their short-term QB situation but should be happy about their team's ability after only 3 weeks. Their defense remains one of the strongest on the entire league and that will carry them through games this year. Once the offense turns around and starts jelling, probably when Mac Jones comes back around week 10, this team should end up red hot for the back half of the season.
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-Z.D.